Founded in 1999 by science teacher Fr. Jim Strzok, SJ, now a missionary in Kenya, the club has about 25 members and is headed by junior Tim Kelley. Freshmen meet on alternate Wednesdays, during their activity period, when Tim guides them through projects as complicated as installing Ethernet cards or as simple as breaking down cardboard computer boxes.

“First we check out the computers to be sure they have all their parts and can function.We check the processor, the memory, and the hard drive,” Tim explains to new members. “We usually add memory. Then we ghost programs onto the computers and fix odd problems, like when there’s no video output. The ‘fun’ part is when things go wrong.”

Other members schedule themselves to work during free periods and after school. Ironically they communicate by posting notes on a white board. Check printer six for function problem, reads a typical message. A large cloth map of Africa in brilliant blue and a collage of photographs next to the message board remind students where their efforts are directed.

Junior Glenn Zimmerman, who is interested in an engineering career, is a typically eager club member. “I thought I could help out and learn more about computers,” he says,

Junior Tim Kelley, president of the Creighton Prep Computers for Africa Club, and senior David Bagby check recently upgraded computers before they are shipped to Africa.

watching Tim open a unit to point out the memory slots. “I don’t know much, but I want to learn.”

In addition to working on the computers, Senior Chris Rudloff is building club work tables for his Eagle Scout Leadership Work Project. He plans to major in computer science. As faculty moderator for the club, I’m impressed with the students’ work ethic. Though I know virtually nothing about the innards of a computer, I can see how quickly students grasp the work and follow through on their tasks. They are always figuring out better ways to do something as they apply their interests to the promotion of justice.

Their enthusiasm is contagious. Even my daughter Margaret, a 1988 graduate of Creighton University, has gotten involved. She prepared a manual to accompany the computers to Africa as a technical support source for users there.We’re also exploring ways to troubleshoot problems via e-mail.

Our major challenge remains coming up with ways to finance shipping costs.We’ve applied for non-profit status, which will open grant application options.We’re also constructing a web site (www.computers4africa.org) to spread the word about the club’s social justice mission.